Kentlands businesses, local schools and camps, veterans groups, realtors, restaurants, health services and others plan to showcase their services through booths and demonstrations at the 9th Annual Kentlands Day, scheduled for Saturday May 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine.
The annual event features a day of activities including a parade, music, a classic car display, food concessions, amusement park rides and the various booths and displays setup for attendees to learn about the businesses and area service organizations in and around the Kentlands community. Kentlands Day takes place on the east side of the Kentlands Market Square downtown business district in the parking areas bounded by Kentlands Boulevard, the U.S. Post Office, Potomac Village Deli, and the former Persiano Gallery.
This year’s planned children’s activities include a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) exploration station, “human billiards,” rides and inflatables, plus the Great Kids Nine-Hole Golf Course. Also invited is a traditional favorite of the event, a huge hook and ladder fire truck from the Gaithersburg Fire Department. Music and entertainment will be provided by local dance groups, karate programs, and others throughout the day. A doggie boarding and training academy demonstration is also in the works.
The Parade
Line-up for the parade will begin at 9 a.m. behind Whole Foods. Parade participants will receive an email the week of the event with their assigned placement. Volunteers, who are still needed, also will be on hand the day of the event to help and provide direction. The parade starts at 10 a.m. The route will follow Center Point Way starting at Whole Foods and progress through the downtown area.
Food vendors currently signed up for Kentlands Day include Carmen’s Carts, Potomac Village Deli and Thai Tanium. Business fair participants thus far include Bella Ballet, Boy Scouts, Butler Camp, realtors such as Elaine Koch and the Prigal Brothers, the Kentlands Community Foundation, Kicks Karate, Maid Brigade, Pure Barre, Renewal by Andersen, Special Tees and Zengo Cycle. Kentlands Day sponsors include Adventist Healthcare, Central Roofing, Mortons Towing & Recovery, McLean School, AAA, Hopkins and Porter Construction, and Squeals on Wheels.
Potomac Village Deli and Catering took lead on logistics and event planning, under the auspices of KIMCO Realty, and with help from Ourisman of Bethesda and Frederick, and others in the business community… Adventist Healthcare will provide a first aid tent. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) will support the parade.
Many of the businesses and food vendors have participated in Kentlands Day every year and believe it is a great event for both adults and children, while also showing support and connecting with the community.
Registrations due
Registrations for parade participants, businesses that wish to have a booth, Taste of Kentlands food vendors and entries in the classic car show are due by April 25. For more information and to register for any of the above, visit www.kentlandsday.org/home.html or contact event coordinator Jennifer Matheson at 301-591-3899 or adminjennifer@potomacpizza.com. Kentlands Day organizers are still seeking volunteers to help with the event, and students can earn Student Service Learning hours for volunteering.